Honored Hero Run Logo Design Winner

Blood cancer has touched the lives of everyone involved in the Honored Hero Run.  The race, which was created by a group of Team In Training alumni, is held every October and benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  Race organizers have incorporated a number of elements into the race which focus on the LLS mission and local patients and survivors. One of the most visible ways they include local blood cancer patients is through the annual logo design competition.  

Each year the Honored Hero Run Board of Directors visits local hospitals (Cook Children’s and Medical City Dallas) to offer the opportunity for young cancer patients to enter a logo contest for the event. These young artists serve as the face of more than 327,000 people in the U.S. who suffer from blood cancer every day. Their artwork shines a bright light for all the heroes honored at the race.

Logo winners are awarded a certificate and are invited to attend the race as VIPs. Their logo is proudly displayed to represent the event and help spread the word throughout the community about the mission of the Honored Hero Run.

We are excited to announce the winner of the logo contest is six-year-old Jaden. 

Jaden, is a courageous six-year-old that fought CANCER like a warrior! Jaden was five weeks into his first grade year at a new school, when he was diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoma. His entire family was in total shock when they heard the news. This was a child that had never been sick or complained about anything bothering him. Before him there was no else in their immediate family that had cancer.

Jaden received five rounds of intense chemotherapy at Cooks Children in Fort Worth and each round required a 5-6 day stay in the hospital and included chemotherapy and spinal taps. He would be discharged home for about 2 ½ weeks and then return for the next round. During his hospital stay, he never once complained about receiving treatment. His words were, “just go through It!”

Daily, his grandmother stayed with him at home and the hospital, allowing his mom and dad to work and care for his infant baby sister. Jaden’s journey, his strength and faith, has brought us all closer together as a family.

On January 24, 2016 he received his last round of chemotherapy. On February 10, 2016 his PET scan showed that Jaden was cancer free. Now in remission, he is healthy and active in karate, soccer, and ecstatic about returning to school.

Registration is now open for the 2016 Honored Hero Run.  The event has a 5k, 10k, half marathon, 20 mile run and 1k fun run.

Meet the Coach: Maria Minter

Maria Minter is a longtime supporter and coach for Team In Training.  This season she is taking on a new challenge - coaching the Moms In Training program.  Moms In Training is an 8-week training program designed specifically for new moms looking to get back in shape and meet other moms looking to do the same.  The Moms In Training team will be participating in 10k length of the Rock N Roll Marathon in Dallas.  Read why Maria might be the best coach to help you get started running again.

How long have you been coaching with TNT and what was your first event?
I have coached two seasons, Winter 2011 and Winter 2012, for the Northwest Cities Marathon team.  I am excited to be coaching again!  My first TNT event as a participant was the Nike Women's Marathon in 2006.

What is your style of coaching?
I wouldn't say I have one style for everyone.  I tailor my coaching based on the needs of the participants.  In all circumstances I strive to ensure that participants have a safe, successful and meaningful experience.

Some people are intimidated by the idea of getting back to training after have a child.  What advice would you give them?
Starting anything new can be a little scary but Team In Training provides and incredible support system and we'll be with you literally every step of the way.  Runners and walkers of all fitness levels take part in the program.  So whether you are a beginner or a life-long athlete, you'll find common ground with other participants.

Is there an Honored Hero who has left a lasting impact on you?  Who and why?
I joined TNT in 2006 to run in honor of my sister-in-law, Stephanie Henkel.  One month before my first TNT event, Stephanie passed away.  I continue to run in Stephanie's memory and I also run in honor of the wonderful Honored Heroes I've met including: "Mascot Dave" Eckberg, Frank Payne, Brooke Suarez, Roxanne Maham and Dana Howe, just to name a few.

What is the best kept secret about TNT?
I'd definitely say the meaningful and lasting relationships you'll form with fellow participants.  If you're a Team In Training alumni reading this, you're nodding your head in agreement, aren't you?!?  :)TNT is how I met some of my dearest friends and wonderful husband, Ryan.

Interested in learning more about Moms In Training?  Watch this video and get inspired by the program and its participants.  Learn more at www.teamintraining.org/ntx/moms.  Go TEAM!